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Mila Meets a New Friend
Curiosity and a comfortable pace for meeting someone
Ages 2–3
Mila sees a new game. Someone is building a road. Mila watches. A grown-up is nearby.
An optional invitation
You can point to Mila.
Listen, point, look, or leave any marks. Speaking, reading, and recognizable drawings are not required.
Ages 4–6
An unfamiliar child is making a road for cars in the sandbox. A bucket on the sand looks like a funny hat. Mila is curious, but she is not ready to come closer. She can watch beside a grown-up, wave, or say hello later.
An optional invitation
How could Mila begin to get to know someone? You could add a detail to the road.
Color or look at the scene. Talking and adding to the picture are optional; a grown-up reads the story.
For the grown-up nearby
“Mila is interested and is watching for now.”
“You do not have to come closer right away. We can stay nearby.”
Do not call silence rude or require a greeting, a hug, or handing over a toy.
Put the sheet aside, stay available, and make things safe. Do not demand an explanation. Offer closeness or a hug without insisting.
Mila can choose to watch or join in. Neither choice means she has failed.
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Set out one sheet, follow your child’s interest, and leave room to stop.